The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Saturday, July 11, 2026, the successful rescue of a senior citizen from Zamboanga City and three fishermen from Sulu in separate incidents off Basilan province and in the Celebes Sea.
Rescue of Senior Citizen off Basilan
Sayyari Buhari, 61, was rescued by personnel of the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Isabela around 12:40 a.m. on Friday, July 10, in the waters near Tabiawan village, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province. The rescue operation was launched after Basiriya Bukang reported that her father, Buhari, had gone missing while traveling between Zamboanga City and Isabela City on a motorized banca. Bukang stated that they lost communication with Buhari at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 9.
According to the CGS-Isabela, an investigation revealed that Buhari's motorized banca sustained hull damage after encountering strong waves during the crossing. The coast guard team safely towed the banca to James Walter Strong Boulevard in Seaside village, Isabela City. The CGS-Isabela noted, “He (Buhari) was found to be in good physical condition and did not require further medical assistance.”
Rescue of Three Fishermen in Celebes Sea
In a separate incident, three fishermen from Siasi, Sulu—Tuyo Alahari, 50; Marsol Alahari, 20; and Boni Alahari, 13—were rescued in the Celebes Sea on Monday, July 6. The PCG reported that the fishermen were found near their sunken motorized banca by the crew of TS 2012 Alpha, a fish carrier vessel operated by Seagull Fishing Venture. The rescue occurred while the vessel was sailing in the Celebes Sea.
The three rescued fishermen were safely transported to General Santos City aboard the fish carrier vessel, accompanied by personnel of the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) Executive Squadron. Personnel from the Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM) facilitated their transport from Spring Valley Compound in Tumbler village, General Santos City, and turned them over to CGS-Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, July 8, for proper turnover and assistance.
Assistance and Return to Home Province
The PCG stated that before their return journey to Siasi, Sulu, CGS-Zamboanga del Sur extended assistance to the three rescued fishermen by facilitating their safe transport to Zamboanga City and ensuring their welfare and necessary support. The PCG recognized the immediate assistance provided by TS 2012 Alpha and its crew for their vital role in ensuring the safety and survival of the three fishermen.
